This paper argues strongly in favour of using pro-poor tourism as an approach to poverty reduction. Reducing poverty requires ‘pro-poor growth’. Tourism, one of the world’s largest industries, is already growing or significant in most poor countries. Certain characteristics of tourism enhance its pro-poor potential. It can be: labour intensive; inclusive of women and the informal sector; based on natural and cultural assets of the poor; and suitable for poor areas.
Caroline Ashley, Harold Goodwin and Dilys Roe